A man was killed early Friday on San Antonio’s South Side after an 18-wheeler struck him while he tried to cross the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 near Division Avenue. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, and the crash shut down the northbound main lanes while investigators worked for hours.
What investigators say happened
According to News 4 San Antonio, the man was standing in the median and then attempted to cross northbound traffic when a tractor-trailer hit him. The 18-wheeler’s driver stayed at the scene, called in the crash and cooperated with authorities. Officials say that driver is not considered a suspect and is not facing charges at this time. A specialized investigative unit has been assigned to determine whether the collision was accidental or intentional.
I-35's recent crash history
This stretch of I-35 has already seen serious wrecks in recent months, including a February crash that sent a car off a downtown overpass and shut the corridor for hours. Those incidents have renewed attention on the multi-level ramps and heavy truck traffic funneling through the city.
Pedestrian risk on Texas highways
Pedestrian deaths remain stubbornly high in Texas. The Governors Highway Safety Association’s analysis shows Texas recorded 767 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, part of a national total that stayed above prepandemic levels. GHSA and other safety advocates note that high speeds and limited safe crossing points on state-managed highways sharply increase how deadly these collisions are.
Northbound lanes remained closed as the investigation continued, and authorities urged drivers to steer clear of the area and use alternate routes, according to News 4 San Antonio. San Antonio police have not yet released the victim’s identity, and the traffic investigation is still ongoing.
